Today we’d like to take a moment to applaud the parents who despite many challenges, did they best they could and did right by their kids. We asked folks to share stories of what they feel their parents got right and have shared highlights below.

Asha Paulose

My parents did so many things right, and their choices have profoundly shaped who I am today. Immigrating to the United States from Kerala, India, in the 1970s, they had no close family nearby to lean on. Every decision they made had to be calculated and intentional. Despite those challenges, they built successful careers, raised four children, supported extended family, and became pillars of their growing church community. Their journey is nothing short of inspiring. Here’s what they did right: Read more>>

Quantay Person

My parents weren’t together most of my life, so when I lived with them separately it gave me a variety of views about life.

My mom is my heart. As I believe she gave me hers. She is very kind and loving. Even when things weren’t going her way, or even when life was okay, she always finds a way to smile through it all. We didn’t always have money for food, clothes, bills and more things I noticed other people had. No matter what she was shared a positive outlook on life. She always tell me things will get better. As they often do. My mom is one of the strongest women I know and no one can say she doesn’t care about something or someone because she will find a way to bring love into any situation. Growing up in the environments we lived in was never easy. Read more>>

Alexiah Noray

My upbringing is pretty unique if I must say so lol. I was raised by a village that consisted of my grandma, uncles and a host of other family members. Growing up, I saw everyone around me hustle and not want or need for anything. My family is from Jamaica, my grandparents came to America to create a better life for us which meant there were a lot of sacrifices made. I was put in the best schools, extra curricular activities, you name it. They taught me the value of a dollar but more than anything they taught me resilience and perseverance. I was taught to keep going no matter how many hiccups or distractions may try to take me off my path. Read more>>

Hannah Hughes

I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for their unwavering support—it’s one of the things they’ve done so perfectly. I can’t recall a single time they discouraged me from pursuing something I was passionate about. Whether it was transferring to a university for better weather and palm trees, quitting a full-time job to take a break from burnout and go sailing for a while or deciding on a whim to become a painter in my free time, they’ve always encouraged me to follow my instincts. Their belief in me has taught me that no matter what happens, every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Read more>>

Hb Smooth

My mom played a huge role in nurturing my creativity. She would sign me up for various programs like basketball and art, and that’s when I first learned about charcoal drawing. I remember getting kinda good at it and even sketching things for fun. My mom would take me to the Art Institute for a summer program—I don’t remember the details, but I just know she took me there, and it was such a cool experience. They had a lot of kids’ programs back then, and I think she chose them, but honestly, it didn’t matter because I had a blast. Read more>>

Cassandra Larimore

My parents taught me the importance of faith, resilience, and creativity, values that have shaped every aspect of my life and career. Growing up, they instilled in me a deep belief that God had a purpose for my life and that I was created with unique talents meant to make an impact.

My mom is incredibly hardworking yet always makes time to have fun and enjoy the life we have been given. Read more>>

Praiya Smith

As a young child with a foot in 10 different doors and countless aspirations in the world, the one thing that always allowed me to obtain my goals was the unwavering support from my parents. The same parents that made sure I used every coupon at H-E-B, were the same parents that jumped to the opportunity to buy me a 4 thousand dollar camera set up so that I could start my internship with Texas Football on the best foot possible. No matter what obstacles my family has endured, my parents have always stressed their unconditional support for my dreams as they believe in everything that I do. I work hard to become better in my craft everyday, and continue to reach high in my career because I know that my family will always be right behind me to support whatever I do. Read more>>

Rita Nelson

My family holds a place in my heart that they carved out with years of love (sometimes tough), patience, and support. Their own crafts shaped the lessons passed down, from the foundation of resilience that my father’s background in engineering fostered to the values I hold. These were emboldened by the artistry of my mother. Value was a lesson I learned young, though at the time I thought we were only speaking about color. To this day I remain an impeccably colorful person in the way I dress, often mismatched pieces that somehow work together. I frequently get asked how I make it work, and I always think back to my mom’s lesson in values. She taught me that you can paint with any hue, just squint your eyes and notice what is ‘light’ and what is ‘dark’. Read more>>

Ayah Serrins

My parents always worked as a team no matter what was happening. Raising 6 children couldn’t have been easy, but they showed me the value of hard work and putting in the effort to get results, and manifest goals. My dad worked and went to school full time while we were young, until he became a doctor and opened his own practice. I remember him telling me to never do something half-assed. He was a perfect example of integrity and working for a purpose in life, as well as just being a responsible human being. I am who I am today because of the example my parents were for me. Read more>>

Matthew Jerman

One day in June, my mum drove me to London for a test shoot and the feedback I had received was nice and encouraged me to dive deeper into it. At the time, my mum paid a large sum of money for a portfolio and a place within their agency, however it was later realised to be a scam, but it didn’t stop me from starting my journey. Although the outcome wasn’t the best, I am grateful for my mum taking me to London. My parents have always taught me to believe in myself, to work hard and to always stay focussed and determined, which I believe has allowed me to have a great journey within the industry. Read more>>

Rose Lindo

After my dad passed away from ALS, my mom was left to raise 8 kids on her own. While resources were limited, we were allowed to be bored, financially literate, and fiercely independent. Boredom is often perceived as something negative, but I think it’s an essential ingredient in so many of life’s recipes. Without boredom, there would be no creativity, and without creativity, this world would be a sad place. Read more>>